Paddington Chase

© Terry Payne 1997

(For Illustrated version, navigate to Illustration > Paddington Chase.)

Behind the meshed windows of Paddington Chase
A’s in an Alternate region of grace.

B sits out under the trees, Blowing Bubbles.
C is a Child again, free of his troubles.

D’s in a Dinghy with only one oar.
E’s Elevators don’t reach the top floor.

F’s Flights of soundness are brief and sporadic.
G has a permanent Guest in the attic.

H’s Hysterical laugh fills the halls.
I is an Innocent, cutting out dolls.

J’s Jambled world is a piteous affair.
K has a Kink in the wiring somewhere.

L is a weary, forsaken old Loon.
M once a month Madly barks at the moon.

N is Napolean, losing his war.
O’s Out to lunch; no one’s minding the store.

P darkly broods in a thick Padded cell.
Q has a Queer, urgent story to tell.

R’s anguished Ravings ascend like a prayer.
S spends her days sticking Straws in her hair.

T philosophically Twiddles his lips.
U’s Undergoing a total eclipse.

V’s sprung a leak in the overhead Valves.
W’s chatting with Whimsical pals.

X is a Xenophobe, to an excess.
Y is a Yammering, gibbering mess.

Z’s found the real world too Zany a place,
And so she’s commited…

…To Paddington Chase.